Why did Cat Stevens stop making music?

In 1979, Cat Stevens auctioned all of his guitars for charity and left his musical career to devote himself to educational and philanthropic causes in the Muslim community.

Stevens converted to Islam in December 1977. Cat Stevens’s first singles include hits: “I Love My Dog” which reached number 28 on the UK Singles Chart.

Cat Stevens was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. “I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun” was his second UK top-10 single, reaching number 6.

In July 1970, Stevens recorded one of his songs, “But I Might Die Tonight”, for the Jerzy Skolimowski film Deep End. Stevens’ albums Tea for the Tillerman (1970) and Teaser and the Firecat (1971) were certified triple platinum in the US.

Cat Stevens’ 1967 debut album and its title song “Matthew and Son” both reached the top ten in the UK charts. In 2014, Stevens released the album Tell ‘Em I’m Gone and began his first US tour since 1978.